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Wi-Fi Tips For The Frugal Traveler

According to a recent study by hotel comparison HRS, 67% of hotels in Europe now offer free Wi-Fi as a complimentary service. Turkey is considered to be the most generous country with 85% of Turkish hotels offering free Wi-Fi included in their pricing.

The most expensive charge for Wi-Fi goes to the Czech Republic priced at an average of £6.70 per hour, whereas Lithuania was the cheapest priced at just 44p per hour! Ironically, the most expensive charges are found in higher priced hotels and those with 5 star ratings.

Things to remember!

Make the most of free Wi-Fi at shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, shopping centres, bookstores, supermarkets or libraries.
Make a note of the Wi-Fi location and jot the password down so you can create a password 'bank' for all your devices for when you visit next time.

Use free Wi-Fi finder apps.
Initially you will need to locate your own Wi-Fi point to search for alternative Wi-Fi spots and store them as offline maps. (We've managed to find free Wi-Fi in parks too so the world is your oyster!)

Book a hotel or hostel that offers Wi-Fi in the price.
Usually, but not always, the larger hotels charge the most for internet usage and some even charge per device. Hostels are more likely to be more accommodating regarding pricing and your individual needs.

Adverts and promotional videos.
Sometimes you may be required to watch these in return for 5 minutes of Wi-Fi. Consider leaving the advert running in the background while you catch up on another task.

Be careful!

Check if there is a Wi-Fi time limit or any hidden charges if you go over.

Ensure your device is secure and your online security is protected. Avoid "œopen" or rogue networks and make sure you have installed up to date anti-virus software.

If you feel the urge to email your entire trip's photographs to your parents back home, make sure you only do this over Wi-Fi. Avoid using your entire month's data allowance or incur a large bill upon your return.

Some airport lounges offer free Wi-Fi whereas some do not. Make sure you read the small print.

If you're travelling with your mobile or laptop and using it as a means of accessing the internet, remove any unwanted applications that you won't be using, and delete your internet cookies and browser history on a regular basis. This may not be convenient but it's better to be safe than sorry.

And lastly, if you're looking for internet to catch up on your social media, personal emails or you constantly find yourself worrying about it, consider taking a break from the World Wide Web and simply enjoy your trip!